We all know that coping with blood pressure is based on good eating habits and healthy lifestyle changes. But what if we told you that the right combination of spices and herbs can improve this fight? That’s right, these basic cooking foods that give flavor and flavor to your food can also do a lot for your health . Their ability to help control high blood pressure will cause them to be at the top of the list. Here are some herbs and spices that you can incorporate into your daily routine to control a blood pressure problem. While some can be obtained directly from your pantry, others are backed by alternative medicine and must be available at herbalist or naturopathy stores. Consult an Ayurvedic doctor or an experienced herbalist before using herbal remedies to address high blood pressure – not only will it guide you on the dose, but will also take into account other specific aspects of your case.
1. Thyme:
The aromatic thyme not only makes your meal delicious, it also works on your pressure as you consume it. Experts suggest that thyme helps relax the muscles and walls of blood vessels. But there is more. As a study in animals demonstrated, not only did blood pressure improve, but it also produced a considerable improvement in biochemical changes and damage to arteries associated with hypertension . Try adding thyme to soups and stews and use it to season meat dishes.
2. Sweet Basil:
“Sweet basil has long been recommended in traditional Chinese medicine to treat heart problems”.
And its use is now also supported by scientific research. Animal studies have found that sweet basil can reduce the levels of the hormones endothelin-1 and angiotensin-II , both associated with high blood pressure. Sweet basil has a special place in Italian cuisine and goes particularly well with tomato-flavored dishes. Add it to marinades and pasta sauces and, remember, it is essential to make an excellent pesto sauce.
3. Hibiscus:
Did you know that a cup of deep red hibiscus tea can help you control your blood pressure? Made from the dried sepals of the hibiscus flower, this tea has an acid and sour taste. In one study, when people with mild hypertension drank hibiscus tea (3 portions of 240 ml each day) for 6 weeks, their blood pressure levels improved. People who had a higher systolic blood pressure before treatment with hibiscus tea showed a greater response to it. Drinking about 3 cups of hibiscus tea a day will help if you want to control your blood pressure.
4. Phyllanthus:
Animal studies have found that extracts of the leaves of Phyllanthus amarus can reduce blood pressure. And it seems to have a greater effect on diastolic blood pressure than on systolic blood pressure. The pressure lowering effect of this herb may be due to the blockage of calcium channel ions and the relaxation of the smooth muscles of the blood vessels. Calcium channel blockers prevent calcium from entering the blood vessel walls, which widens and relaxes them and leads to a reduction in blood pressure. Phyllanthus is available in the form of tincture and tablets.
5. Rauwolfia Serpentine:
Rauwolfia serpentina has been used in the ancient science of ayurveda to treat many diseases. And the presence of an alkaloid known as reserpine gives it powerful hypotensive properties. H reliable with healthcare provider about dose, as this herb can have a variety of side effects from abdominal cramps to depression in some. Excessive use can be harmful.
6. Ashwagandha:
Ashwagandha is another herbal remedy for hypertension that comes from ayurveda. When 2 g of ashwagandha root powder was taken with milk in the morning by people with hypertension within 3 months, they saw a significant reduction in systolic and diastolic pressure. Talk to an Ayurvedic doctor who can guide you on the use of ashwagandha to control your blood pressure.
7. Garlic:
There is nothing like garlic to brighten up a dish. And this flavor enhancer can also lower your pressure. Garlic contains a compound called allicin , which becomes allicin when it is crushed or minced. Allicin can inhibit angiotensin II, a hormone that causes blood vessels to narrow. So widen your blood vessels and lower your blood pressure with a bit of garlic’s power. Simply add a few crushed garlic cloves to your dishes.
8. Cardamom:
Cardamom, a common ingredient in Scandinavian, Middle Eastern and Indian cuisine, has a positive impact on hypertension. In one study, taking 1.5 g of this spice twice a day for 12 weeks was able to significantly reduce pressure in hypertensive participants. A compound called 1,8-cineole present in cardamom can explain this beneficial effect; Other components such as limonene , myrcene and terpinolene can also have an additional effect.
9. Ginger:
The Ginger is another spice that has a range of medicinal benefits and decreased blood pressure is one of them. Ginger can work by helping to block calcium channels. As we saw earlier, this helps improve blood circulation and relieves high pressure. Add ginger to salads, soups and other dishes to experience its beneficial effects. You could also have a hot cup of ginger tea as a daily ritual.
10. Cinnamon:
Spicy and sweet cinnamon can be another ally in your fight against high blood pressure. The research that combined the results of three studies found that cinnamon can significantly reduce systolic and diastolic pressure. It has been discovered that cinnamaldehyde , a compound present in cinnamon, lowers blood pressure by dilating blood vessels. However, it is worth noting that cinnamon could be more useful against hypertension associated with high blood sugar levels. This is because circulating insulin can decrease, which can have a beneficial effect on high blood pressure. Cinnamon should already appear in your baked sweets. You can also sprinkle some cinnamon on the baked fruit or add a cinnamon stick when you drink your herbal tea. A pinch of cinnamon can also work well in Asian curry.
11. Saffron:
Here is an exotic spice that can help with high blood pressure. An animal study found that saffron not only prevents increased blood pressure but also blocks changes in the aorta associated with hypertension. It is believed that Safranal and Crocin , flavonoids present in saffron, are responsible for these beneficial effects. Add some saffron threads to your daily kitchen, whether baked dishes, sauces or rice dishes such as paella or risotto. Simply place the threads in some warm water and use the entire mixture.
12. Turmeric:
The turmeric, the yellow spice that gives golden color to the curry, may also be beneficial if you have high pressure. Laboratory studies show that it can inhibit angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE). This enzyme plays a role in the production of angiotensin II that contracts blood vessels. ACE inhibitors can, therefore, lower pressure by relaxing blood vessels. Animal studies have also found that curcumin, a component of turmeric, can, to some extent, prevent hypertension from damaging the arteries. Add turmeric to curry and stews or sit with a cup of healthy turmeric tea to savor its benefits.
